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Life

15th Oct 2014

Love the Job You’re With? How Irish Employees Really Feel About Their Workplaces

Are you the sort of employee who offers tea, or the kind that steals umbrellas?!

Rebecca McKnight

Do you love your line of work? If so, you’re among a happy 47 per cent of Irish employees.

New research has shown that almost half the people employed in Ireland are working at something they love. We’re not taking anything for granted though, with three in five saying they are glad to have a job at all.

We have a lax policy when it comes to “borrowing” office supplies, and one in four of us have stolen an umbrella when caught short. We can be a thoughtful lot too though, with 70 per cent of us claiming we have made a cuppa for work colleagues.

A substantial 41 per cent of Irish employees bought their first home before the age of 30.

The research, carried out by Irish Life, also revealed insights into Ireland’s attitudes towards pensions:

·         49% of working adults in Ireland do not have a pension in place

·         65% would be more loyal to a company that provided a company pension

·         Almost three-in-four (73%) would choose to work for a company that provided a company pension

When asked for the reasons for not having a pension, the top three reasons cited were:

·         One in two (50%) stated they could not afford to pay anything into a pension

·         Almost one fifth of people (18%) believe they are too young

·         10% don’t because their employer doesn’t provide it

Commenting on the research findings, David Harney, Managing Director, Irish Life Corporate Business said: “While these research findings reveal some humourous insights into the Irish workplace they also highlight the serious fact that 49% of working adults do not have a pension in place. As a nation we are living longer so the need for a realistic retirement plan is very important. The research findings also revealed the benefits for employers of offering a company pension plan. Nearly four in five (79%) of full time workers claim they would be happier to work for a company that provided a company pension. A company pension plan is also important in attracting the best talent with 73% of those surveyed claiming they would prefer to work for a company that provided a company pension.”